|
Written by Lian Reed, Director Santa Fe Community Yoga Center, October 2010
|
|
Tuesday, 12 October 2010 16:57 |
Usually, if you hear me speak about withdrawal of the senses in a class, I am referring to the practice of Pratyahara. Pratyahara is that step along the path of yoga toward a focused mind (toward meditation and ultimately balance). It is a practice that allows us to stop getting caught up in the yadda, yadda, yadda of the mind (chitta). If we are always paying attention to what is going on outside our body, we come to believe that what is happening outside the body is of monumental importance. The mind begins to gather information about everything every minute of every day. Pratyahara is the practice of releasing what is outside us and focusing on our internal processes, the quiet of our mind, peace and balance (ultimately Samadhi).
If we get really good at this, we are able to be at peace during any part of our day no matter what is going on around us. A rather good trick to have in these chaotic days.
|
